The Duke of Sussex will salute aerial firefighting teams at the prestigious Living Legends of Aviation Awards

Prince Harry is set to make a high-profile appearance at the Prince Harry Aviation Awards in Los Angeles, where he’ll join Hollywood icons like John Travolta and Morgan Freeman. The Duke of Sussex will attend the 22nd annual Living Legends of Aviation event, celebrating aerial heroes alongside NASA astronauts and other notable figures from the aviation world.

The glitzy event, set to take place on April 25 at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel, will focus on celebrating aviation achievements, and this year, the spotlight will shine on those who bravely battled the devastating Los Angeles wildfires from the skies.

According to the Daily Mail, Harry will be a key guest as the ceremony pays tribute to the pilots and aerial crews who risked their lives during intense fire missions across Southern California. Organisers of the event said the segment “will pay special tribute to all the men and women who were involved in the aerial operations as they flew hundreds of missions in unforgiving conditions to protect and save people and property.”

The annual gathering recognises those who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace, bringing together real-life heroes and prominent celebrities with ties to flight. This year’s guest list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood and aerospace legends. Travolta, a qualified pilot and long-time aviation enthusiast, will also serve as the host for the evening.

Prince Harry’s inclusion is no surprise given his own military aviation background. As a former Apache helicopter pilot who served two tours in Afghanistan, Harry has long expressed admiration for the courage and resilience of those who operate under life-threatening conditions. His participation in this tribute highlights not only his continued connection to aviation but also his commitment to spotlighting public service.

This stateside appearance marks a notable return to the spotlight for the Duke, following his recent visit to the UK related to his ongoing legal proceedings. The court case has kept him in and out of headlines back home, but this LA event brings him back into the sphere of humanitarian and community recognition—a role he has consistently embraced since stepping back from royal duties.

It’s also a reflection of his life in California, where he now resides with wife Meghan Markle and their two children. Harry’s involvement in the Living Legends of Aviation Awards also positions him alongside other influential figures in the entertainment and philanthropic world, signalling his growing presence within high-profile American social circles.

Firefighting in Los Angeles, particularly aerial firefighting, has become an increasingly critical operation amid rising wildfire risks due to climate change. The pilots honoured this year have flown missions through dense smoke, extreme heat, and dangerous terrain, making them deserving recipients of recognition.

This year’s ceremony promises to blend glamour and gratitude, celebrating not just celebrity pilots but those whose flights save lives. And with Prince Harry among the guests honouring them, the evening is poised to make global headlines.

As one of the organisers noted, “This segment is about more than awards—it’s about recognising courage in the sky.”